Friday’s Major League Baseball schedule features several sluggers poised for impactful power displays, supported by warm August weather and advantageous pitching matchups. Among these, Shohei Ohtani home run picks stand out as key plays for bettors seeking impactful home run prop bets on August 15.
This article identifies five MLB hitters who combine recent momentum, power metrics, and favorable pitcher matchups to offer strong value in home run betting markets. Below is a detailed look at these prime candidates for long-ball success in tonight’s games.
Top MLB Players with Notable Home Run Potential for August 15
Michael Busch arrives at Friday’s contest riding a surge in power after homering in back-to-back games, including a solo home run during Thursday’s loss to Toronto. The Chicago Cubs infielder holds a .264 batting average with 24 home runs this season and has found his stride this month.
He will face right-handed starter Braxton Ashcraft, who despite a respectable 3.19 ERA, has surrendered six home runs over his last four starts. Busch’s tendency to pull the ball and recent hot streak position him as an appealing +300 wager to extend his homer run streak to three games.
Christian Yelich also enters Friday’s slate after a dominant series against Pittsburgh, where he posted seven hits in twelve at-bats, including two home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.699 OPS across three outings. The Milwaukee Brewers veteran carries a .266 average with 23 home runs this season, blending reliable contact with increased power.
Yelich will face right-hander Nick Martinez, who holds a 4.49 ERA and has experienced struggles preventing long balls in recent starts. Given Yelich’s strong form and ability to drive the ball, his +320 home run prop represents excellent value against Martinez’s vulnerable pitching.
Jose Ramirez continues to be a key offensive force for Cleveland, maintaining a .298 batting average with 25 homers and 35 stolen bases. His recent performance includes going 3-for-4 with an RBI, three runs scored, and two steals during Thursday’s win over Miami.
Ramirez now faces right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde, who has a 5.40 ERA and is prone to allowing hard contact from both left and right-handed batters. Ramirez’s elite bat speed and gap-to-gap power, combined with his ability to capitalize on mistakes, make his +360 home run prop an enticing choice in this matchup.
Marcell Ozuna provides consistent power despite batting just .238, with 20 home runs and 59 RBIs to his name. On Wednesday, he recorded two hits in four at-bats, including a home run, plus a walk and three RBIs against the Mets.
Ozuna draws a favorable matchup against lefty Joey Cantillo, who has a 4.11 ERA and can lose command when falling behind batters in the count. Given Ozuna’s history of success against southpaws, his +340 home run prop offers strong betting appeal.
Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable season remains a central storyline, featuring a .284 batting average, 43 home runs, 79 RBIs, 115 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. Notably, Ohtani balances his dominant hitting with pitching duties, as demonstrated Wednesday when he threw 4.1 innings with seven strikeouts while also hitting a triple.
Few hitters in baseball can punish both fastballs and breaking pitches as effectively as Ohtani. His current offensive rhythm and power swing suggest that any poorly located pitch could result in a majestic home run traveling over 400 feet.
Why These Home Run Picks Matter for August 15
With warm conditions and vulnerable pitchers on the mound, the potential for multiple impactful home runs makes August 15’s MLB games ripe for prop betting action. The highlighted hitters, including Michael Busch, Christian Yelich, Jose Ramirez, Marcell Ozuna, and Shohei Ohtani, each offer compelling reasons to target their home run props based on form and matchup statistics.
Shohei Ohtani remains the marquee name, with his blend of power and hitting prowess attracting significant attention. Bettors seeking dynamic, optimistic plays will find value in these selections as the games unfold, with DraftKings Sportsbook odds providing timely opportunities.
As always, these picks should be considered within the context of fluctuating odds and the unpredictable nature of sport, but the power potential on display promises an exciting night for MLB fans and bettors alike.